Some Might Say
While at college doing my A-Levels, the indie band Oasis were at the peak of their musical powers. They released a catchy number called, ‘Some Might Say’, which I sang at the top of my lungs in my Ford Escort on the way to and from college. I still sing it to this day, but I’ve never understood the lyrics! Take the line for example: ‘The sink is full of fishes; she’s got dirty dishes on the brain’. It sings so well, it sounds so true, but does anyone know what it means? Answers on a postcard please.
The song and the phrase ‘Some Might Say’ refers to the opinions of other people and the sway we allow them to hold over us. A person’s words can intimidate or discourage us and knock us off track. I will never forget someone saying to me after a preach one Sunday – ‘Well done Mike, you’re starting to get good again’!
In 2 Corinthians 10:10 Paul reveals an opinion challenge in his own life: ‘For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.’
It seems strange to us that the Apostle Paul (great leader, scripture author and church planter) was rubbished by some opinionated people. Put yourself in his shoes for a moment: these criticisms go right for the throat of his purpose which is to impress upon people the importance of the message about Christ. The ‘Some Might Say’ in Paul’s experience was likely a satanic strategy to rob his confidence in fishing for souls, by filling his brain with other peoples ‘dirty dishes’.
His answer? ‘For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends’ (Vs.18).
Paul refused to defend his leadership by saying ‘I am impressive! I can speak!’ He recognised that his approval did not depend on others – positive or negative. Instead, he secured himself in God’s commendation of his ministry. He didn’t allow other people’s opinions to be the source of his leadership confidence.
Paul shows us today that the only way to stay secure is to root our confidence in God’s opinion / revelation. Then it really won’t matter what Some Might Say.
Ps Mike Williams